India Association of New Orleans will delight in Diwali celebration Saturday

Celebrating the accomplishments of 2018 while looking ahead to the New Year, the India Association of New Orleans will revel in its annual observance of Diwali Saturday evening.

The event will be held from 7:30 p.m. until midnight at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1200 Robert E. Lee Blvd., New Orleans. The festivities will include a lavish buffet and cultural enrichment program. Dancing will follow.

As one of the largest and most significant celebrations in Indian culture, Diwali in the traditional sense is the festival of lights, illuminated to extol good over evil. But in reality, the custom acknowledges the importance of fortifying families and the culture especially in the wake of the Indian diaspora.

“We think of the values that unite us, as we strive to bring up our children, to strengthen our societies and build a better world,’’ said Paul Sohi, president of the India Association of New Orleans.

Proceeds from Saturday will benefit India House Louisiana, a planned community center that will offer academic support to youth as well as cultural and social activities. Tickets are $125 each for platinum sponsors; $75 for gold sponsors; $25 for young adults 12-18; and $15 for children 2-12.

Sohi said that it is important for the association, which has promoted diversity and inclusion, particularly this year, to recognize that for the Indian community to continue to thrive, it must not forget that its past is key to the future. The association welcomes the public to join in the celebration and to learn about India.

“Diwali is a time when we, as proud Louisianans, come together to share a common focus centered on righteousness, self-inquiry and the importance of knowledge,’’ Sohi said. “The path to overcoming ignorance is enlightenment as explained in a traditional sense through the ages by our elders.’’